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Are you a seasoned corporate attorney looking for a role that lets you balance high-caliber legal work with a life outside the office? If you’re ready to reclaim your legal career on your own terms, this opportunity may be for you.
About Serna Legal Services
Serna Legal Services is a rapidly growing corporate law firm headquartered in the Greater Chicagoland Area. Founded by Noeli Serna (an experienced corporate attorney with nearly a decade in complex transactions, contracts and corporate governance), the firm was built on the principle that quality and client relationships come first, not billable hours. We operate virtually with a focus on providing high-quality legal services to businesses of all sizes, and we pride ourselves on big-law caliber work delivered in a more flexible, life-friendly environment.
Position Overview
- Title: Corporate Associate Attorney (Part-Time)
- Location: Remote (Illinois-based). Must be located in Illinois; occasional quarterly in-person meetings in Chicago.
- Reports to: Founding Attorney (Noeli Serna)
- Classification: Exempt, Part-Time (approximately 15–20 billable hours per week)
Key Responsibilities
In this role, you will be a key player in our firm’s corporate transactions and day-to-day legal services, working closely with the Founding Attorney. Your responsibilities will include:
- Mergers & Acquisitions: Lead and assist in buy-side and sell-side business acquisitions and sales, typically in the small to mid-market range (up to around $5million). You’ll handle everything from due diligence and drafting purchase agreements to negotiating terms and managing closings, ensuring smooth transactions for our clients.
- Commercial Contracts: Draft, review, and negotiate a wide array of commercial contracts, including vendor agreements, client service agreements, NDAs, operating agreements, and more.
- Corporate Governance & Entity Matters: Advise on and manage entity formations, corporate restructurings and governance matters. You’ll prepare corporate documents, bylaws/operating agreements, board resolutions, and ensure compliance with Illinois corporate law for our clients’ businesses.
- Intellectual Property Support: Provide trademark and copyright services as needed (e.g. advising on brand protection strategies, preparing trademark applications), in collaboration with outside specialists if necessary.
- Legal Research & Strategy: Tackle complex legal questions through thorough research and analysis. Whether it’s a novel regulatory issue or a tricky contract clause, you’ll develop strategic recommendations that align with our clients’ business goals.
- Client Collaboration: Serve as a trusted advisor to our clients. You’ll liaise directly with business owners and executives, building relationships, understanding their objectives, and keeping them informed and empowered at every step of their legal matter. You will provide strategic advice in plain language, helping clients make informed decisions.
- Other Duties as Assigned: As a growing firm, we all wear multiple hats. You’ll jump in on other projects or tasks that support the firm’s success, as needed.
Your Qualifications
You’re a sharp legal mind with a proven track record in corporate law. You have extensive experience in buy-side and sell-side transactions (typically in the ~$5million and under range) and you’re adept at reviewing, drafting, and negotiating complex commercial contracts. More about your profile:
- Experienced: You have a J.D. and are licensed to practice in Illinois (active bar member in good standing), with at least 4 years of experience as a corporate attorney. Your background includes significant M&A transactions and general corporate work.
- Technically Skilled: You bring strong drafting, analytical, and research skills, and a strategic mindset. You’re comfortable with technology – proficient in Microsoft Office and adaptable to legal practice software (experience with platforms like Clio Manage or project tools like ClickUp is a plus).
- Client-Centric Communicator: You build rapport with clients effortlessly, explaining complex legal matters in clear, accessible language. Your communication skills (written and verbal) are polished, and you demonstrate empathy and respect in all client interactions, even through a video call.
- Autonomous & Reliable: You can independently manage your workload and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment, without sacrificing attention to detail or quality. You take initiative and can handle a variety of corporate matters with minimal supervision, all while knowing when to seek guidance on complex issues.
- Flexible & Growth-Oriented: You thrive in a remote-first, flexible environment where you can integrate work with family life. You’re excited by the idea of building something with a seasoned mentor at your side. You welcome the freedom to manage your schedule, and you appreciate a firm culture that respects your personal time. We don’t expect you to be “always on” or answering emails outside of business hours.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
- Licensed Attorney in Illinois: Active member of the Illinois State Bar, in good standing. (Illinois residence required, as in-person quarterly meetings are expected.)
- Experience: Minimum 4 years of relevant corporate law practice. Prior experience at a law firm or in-house handling mergers & acquisitions, business transactions (particularly small to mid-size deals), and complex commercial contracts is required. Big-law or large firm experience is a plus, so long as you’re ready to transition to a more balanced environment.
- Corporate Law Expertise: Demonstrated knowledge of Illinois corporate law, contract law, and general business law. Experience with entity formation, governance, and restructuring is required. Familiarity with intellectual property (trademarks/copyrights) and employment law issues in transactions is a bonus.
- M&A and Contracts Skills: Hands-on experience conducting due diligence, drafting and negotiating purchase agreements, asset or equity acquisition agreements, partnership/shareholder agreements, and other transaction documents. You should be comfortable being the point person managing an M&A process (with support when needed).
- Detail & Quality Orientation: Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment tohigh-quality work. You take pride in delivering error-free, thoughtful work product that reflects well on the firm and truly helps the client.
- Spanish-speaking ability is a plus but not required.
Compensation and Benefits
- Schedule: This is a salaried, part-time position, with an expected workload of roughly 15–20 billable hours per week. We’re looking for someone who can produce big-firm quality in a reduced-hour schedule.
- Salary Range: $90,000 – $110,000 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications. (This range is for the part-time hours noted; it’s a competitive rate designed to attract top talent who prefer a lighter schedule.)
- Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package even for part-time employees. This includes medical, vision, and dental insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, and paid parental leave. You’ll also receive paid holidays and PTO, proportionate to your part-time status.
- Work-Life Balance: We truly believe in a healthy balance. No expectation of being “on” 24/7. You won’t be answering emails at midnight or chained to your phone on weekends. Our philosophy is that well-rested, happy attorneys provide the best service. We accommodate flexibility for family commitments and encourage setting boundaries to enjoy life outside work.
- Professional Growth: As the firm continues to grow, there is potential for this role to expand. If you desire, you will have the opportunity to take on more responsibility over time, and potentially transition to a full-time role in the future. We’re invested in your career development and will provide mentorship, CLE opportunities, and support to help you sharpen your skills. There is plenty of room to grow with the firm in terms of leadership and practice areas, for the right person.
If this sounds like the next chapter you’ve been looking for, let’s talk! To apply, please send your resume and a short description of why you believe you fit this role to ns@sernalegalservices.com.
Serna Legal Services is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds regardless of age, race, creed, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or military/veteran status.
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